can you give me good reasons for doing yoga nidra

Yoga Nidra can be a useful way to relax deeply while staying alert, with potential benefits for sleep, stress, energy, and mental performance.

1. Sleep: It may help people fall asleep and return to sleep after waking; a study discussed in the episode found improved sleep among people with chronic insomnia. 1 2
2. Stress and relaxation: The guided practice trains self-directed relaxation, and studies discussed in the episode found reduced cortisol after Yoga Nidra. 3
3. Dopamine and cognition: Research discussed in the episode found increased dopamine after Yoga Nidra; Huberman connects this with being more focused and action-oriented, and reports improved performance on some cognitive tasks. 4 5
4. Restored energy: People may emerge feeling mentally and physically refreshed, and the practice may help restore vigor after some sleep loss—though it is not a substitute for sleep. 6 7
5. Impulse regulation in addiction recovery: In recovery settings, Yoga Nidra has been used to practice self-directed relaxation, tolerate agitation and cravings, and support sleep. 8